Prevalence and determinants of goitre among children of South Kordofan state, Sudan, 2021: an urgent need for effective implementation of universal salt iodisation

• Main Authors: Azza Elfadil Abdalla (Author), Anfal Mahmoud Altahir (Author), Elfatih A. Hasabo (Author), Salma Salah Alrawa (Author), Amna Mutasim Elazrag (Author), Hayat Abdoallah Ahmed (Author), Hiba Abubakr Ali (Author), Ibrahim Mysara Abdelrazig (Author), Mohamed Yaser Ahmed (Author), Mohamed Alsiddig Alagib (Author), Musab Mohammed Siddig (Author), Rofida Salah Asmally (Author), Salma Mohamed Mohamedelrasheed (Author), Walaa Abdulgadir Elnaiem (Author), Elfatih Mohammed Malik (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Cambridge University Press, 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of goitre among children aged 6-12 years at South Kordofan state. Design: This was a cross-sectional facility-based study. Setting: The study was conducted in twenty villages of South Kordofan state during a medical mission. Participants: All 575 school-age children (6-12 years) who attended the medical day were examined for clinical assessment of goitre. Results: The prevalence of goitre among children of South Kordofan was 42·8 % (grade 1: 15·7 %, grade 2: 27·1 %). Only 24·2 % of caregivers reported using iodised salt. Mothers working as farmers (OR: 3·209, CI 95 % 1·437, 7·167; P = 0·004) and children of Darforian tribes (OR: 21·799, CI 95 % 2·566, 185·226; P = 0·005) were found to be significantly associated with higher prevalence of goitre among children. This contrasts with children of African tribes, where they were found to have less goitre prevalence (OR: 0·432, CI 95 % 0·213, 0·875; P = 0·02). Iodised salt utilisation (OR = 0·523, CI 95 % 0·320, 0·854; P = 0·01) was found associated with a lower prevalence of goitre. Conclusion: Even though National Iodine Deficiency Disorders control programs were initiated in Sudan more than 25 years ago, the prevalence of goitre among children in South Kordofan state was alarming (42·8 %). Efforts to improve access to iodised salt, increase utilisation and raise awareness are urgently needed.

Item Description

10.1017/S1368980023002744
1368-9800
1475-2727